"I'm embarrassed it had to come to this," McClung said. "I've had 25 years invested into my career as a police officer. I had no choice. I had to protect myself and my family."

Along with Dwelle, the lawsuit includes claims against Dwelle's wife, Sandy, and Perkins Township.

McClung and Matthews are seeking damages against the Dwelles for "malicious defamation" resulting in a "hostile work environment," the lawsuit said. The defamation includes slanderous and libelous statements.

McClung said he chose to file the lawsuit now because the situation was escalating.

"I was hoping it would stop, and it didn't," McClung said. "It's become more malicious, and I had to do something. Hopefully, this will bring about a resolution."

Matthews is also claiming intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy against the Dwelles, the lawsuit said.

"I'm just kind of shocked by the whole ordeal," Matthews said. "I think he came in with an agenda. I feel like I'm under attack, and I feel this is the only way to make it stop."